PROBLEM SOLVING WORKING
Will using objects to represent the
BACKWARDS
WHAT IS WORKING BACKWARDS?
It is to start with the final solution
and work back one step at a time to get to
the beginning. This strategy is used to solve
problems that include a number of linked
factors or events, where some of the
information has not been provided, usually
at the beginning of the problem.
In general, problems that list a series of
events or sequence of steps can be solved
by working backwards.
In math, these are called inverse
operations. When using backwards
strategy, each operation must be reversed
to get back to the beginning.
The Solving Process:
1. Understanding the Problem
1.1. Identify what the problem is asking
you to do, and the relevant
information necessary to solve the
problem.
1.2. What do you know?
1.3. List the important facts from the
problem.
2. What do You Need to Find Out?
2.1. Read the problem carefully until you
understand what is wanted.
2.2. Underline unfamiliar words and
understand their meaning.
3. Planning and Communicating a Solution
3.1. Use a logical step-by-step way.
3.2. How many steps are required?
3.3. Is all the information necessary?
3.4.
people or places make the problem
easier to solve?
4. Reflecting and Generalizing.
4.1. Consider if your answer makes
sense and if it has answered what
was asked.
4.2. Check your answer by working
forward through the problem.
4.3. Will you be able to apply this
method of problem solving to other
similar problems?
4.4. Consider if it is possible to do the
problem in a simpler way.
5. Extension
5.1. How can this strategy be applied to
more complicated problems
involving bigger numbers and
additional factors?
In order to use this strategy effectively, you
will need to develop the following skills and
understanding:
1. Using the opposite operation
when working backwards – If
working forward requires
addition/multiplication, then in
working backwards you will have to
subtract/divide.
Examples:
o So if the problem the correct
round is: ? ÷ 𝟖 × 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟒 then
backwards it will be 𝟏𝟒 ÷ 𝟐 ×
𝟖 = 𝟓𝟔.
o Jack is 35 years younger than
Karen. Frank is half of Jack’s
age. Jennifer is 17 years older
than Frank. If Jennifer is 35
years old, how old is Karen?
 Solution:
Jennifer is 35 and she’s 17 years
older than Frank. When using
the opposite operation, plus
becomes minus. Therefore, ADVANTAGE:

Frank is 𝟑𝟓 − 𝟏𝟕 = 𝟏𝟖. Frank is

1. The end of the problem will
half Jack’s age so the opposite have a result that is very
operation is 𝟏𝟖 × 𝟐 = 𝟑𝟔. Jack is clear whereas the beginning
of the problem will be less
35 years younger than Karen, so
obvious.
𝟑𝟔 + 𝟑𝟓 = 𝟕𝟏. Therefore, Karen
DISADVANTAGES:
is 71 years old.
1. You won't always know what the
answer is to work backwards
2. Starting with the answer and from. So why get in the habit?
working backwards.
2. Working backwards is usually
Example: only ever good for checking.

o In a dancing competition all the

contestants started dancing GROUP 6 MEMBERS:
together. After three minutes half the
people were eliminated. During the Neri, Diane
next ten minutes half of the
Engcoy, Clevie Jacinth
remaining were eliminated. At the
15-minute mark, half again were Cleofe, Paulin Zach
eliminated, and at the 20-minute
Teves, Joyce
mark, half of those still remaining
were eliminated. In the last 2 Paluga, Leah Joy
minutes, one more contestant was
eliminated. Leaving a winner of the
competition. How many dancers
were there in the beginning?

Solution:
Start with the winner – 1.
Last 2 minutes – 1 + 1 = 2.
After 20 minutes – 2 × 2 = 4.
After 15 minutes – 4 × 2 = 8.
After 10 minutes – 8 × 2 = 16.
After 3 minutes – 16 × 2 = 32.
Therefore, 32 dancers started.